(NEPTUNE, N.J.) — Fifteen years ago, Kevin Quinn received a gift that changed the course of his life forever — a donated heart. This month, the Neptune resident celebrated the anniversary of that lifesaving transplant and the journey that followed, including a second heart transplant that allowed him to continue making memories with the people he loves. Today, Quinn shares his story to support the mission of NJ Sharing Network and help others understand the impact of organ and tissue donation.
“Every day, I know that I am here because someone made the decision to give the gift of life,” said Quinn. “There are two families who made it possible for me to have more time with my family, see my children reach milestones and meet my grandchildren. I never forget how much those decisions meant, and I want people to understand the difference they can make by registering as organ and tissue donors.”
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Quinn, 70, marked the 15th anniversary of his first heart transplant on July 17. Before his diagnosis, he considered himself healthy and active. Around age 50, an abnormal EKG led to further testing that revealed cardiomyopathy—a condition that gradually weakens the heart muscle.
“I was shocked because I felt OK,” Quinn recalled. “I was still active and didn’t think something like this was possible. Hearing that I would eventually need a transplant was hard to process, but I trusted my doctors and followed their guidance.”
Over time, his condition worsened, and in 2011 he received a lifesaving heart transplant that changed the course of his life. Following his first transplant surgery, Quinn focused on recovery and followed the instructions of his medical team, leaving the hospital just seven days later.
“I didn’t know exactly what recovery would look like, but I knew I had to do what they told me,” Quinn said. “I wanted to get moving, get stronger and start living again.”
A Second Heart Transplant
Several years later, Quinn learned he would need another transplant. Although he felt well, follow-up testing showed that plaque buildup was affecting the arteries of his transplanted heart. In 2015, he was placed back on the waiting list and spent approximately three months in the hospital waiting for another donor heart. During that time, Quinn remained active and became a source of encouragement for other patients waiting for their own transplants.
“I was kind of like the mayor of the cardiac floor,” he said. “People would ask questions because I had already been through it. Being able to help other people gave me something positive to focus on while I was waiting.”
Eventually, Quinn received the call that another donor heart had become available. His second transplant gave him another opportunity to continue the life he values today.
Turning Gratitude Into Action
Because of his transplants, Quinn has been able to experience milestones he never wanted to take for granted — including seeing both of his sons, Bob and Brian, getting married and welcoming three grandchildren into the family. Now retired after nearly 30 years with Verizon, Quinn enjoys spending time with his wife, Patricia (“Pat”), traveling and making memories together.
For Quinn, the impact of donation goes far beyond his own story. After his first transplant, he connected with the family of his organ donor, James Briner, and developed a lasting friendship with James’ mother, Karen Briner of Westminster, Maryland.
“You need three things when you get older: your health, a little bit of money and some time,” said Quinn. “When you have those things, enjoy them. Spend time with your family, make memories and don’t take those moments for granted.”
As Quinn celebrates 15 years since his first transplant and honors the two donors who made his journey possible, he hopes his story inspires others to register as organ and tissue donors and give someone else the same chance at life.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NJ Sharing Network, more than 100,000 Americans — including nearly 4,000 New Jerseyans — are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. To learn more or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO #1 – (From left) Karen Briner of Westminster, Maryland, holds a photo of her son, James Briner, whose donated heart was transplanted into Kevin Quinn (center), saving his life. Kevin is joined by his wife, Patricia Quinn (right).
PHOTO #2 – (At Top Right) Kevin and Patricia Quinn enjoy a birthday celebration with their sons, Bob and Brian, and their grandchildren, Rose and Stellan.